Open AccessInducible motor neuron differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells in vivo
Author(s) -
Chen Min,
Wang Xia,
Li Chuan,
Lan Ting,
Wei Yuhui,
Tang Chengcheng,
Zhou Xiaoqing,
Zhou Renping,
Rosa Alessandro,
Zheng Xi,
Ang Song,
Zhang Kun,
Zou Qingjian,
Lai Liangxue
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
cell proliferation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.647
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1365-2184
pISSN - 0960-7722
DOI - 10.1111/cpr.13319
Subject(s) - induced pluripotent stem cell , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , stem cell , motor neuron , in vivo , embryonic stem cell , cellular differentiation , neural stem cell , spinal cord , neuroscience , biochemistry , gene
Objectives Transplantation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is one of the promising treatment strategies for motor neuron diseases (MNDs). However, the inefficiency in committed differentiation of NPCs in vivo limits its application. Here, we tried to establish a potential therapeutic strategy for MNDs by in vivo directional differentiation of hiPSCs engineered with motor neuron (MN) specific transcription factors and Tet‐On system. Materials and Methods We engineered hiPSCs with three MN‐specific transcription factors and Tet‐On system. The engineered cells were directly transplanted into immunodeficient mice through subcutaneous, intra‐spinal cord and intracerebroventricular injections. Following doxycycline (Dox) induction, teratoma formation, and motor MN differentiation were evaluated. Results We generated genetically engineered hiPSCs, in which the expression of Ngn2 , Isl1 , and Lhx3 was controlled by a drug‐inducible transgenic system. These cells showed normal pluripotency and proliferative capacity, and were able to directionally differentiate into mature motor neurons (MNs) and NPCs with high efficiency in spinal cords and cerebral lateral ventricles under the induction of Dox. The grafts showed long‐term survival in the recipient mice without formation of teratoma. Conclusions The induced mature MNs and NPCs were expected to replace the damaged endogenous MNs directly, and play a role of de novo stem cell stock for long‐term neuron damage repair, respectively. Therefore, in vivo directional differentiation of the hiPSCs engineered with MN‐specific transcription factors and Tet‐On system via Dox induction could be a potential therapeutic strategy for MNDs with high efficacy and safety.